QMI Agency

A Canadian teacher being detained in Indonesia on sexual assault allegations has appealed directly to the prime minister for help.

Neil Bantleman, 45, has been in custody without charges since he and teaching assistant Ferdi Tijong were arrested July 14 in the capital of Jakarta.

They're accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten students at the Jakarta International School (JIS), where they work.

Friends and family of Bantleman say the allegations are without merit and have been holding vigils in the Calgary area, where Bantleman taught, and in his hometown of Burlington, Ont.

Bantleman's wife, Tracy, has been in Jakarta working to get him released.

In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, posted by radio station 660 News in Calgary, Bantleman says his human rights have been violated and he has been forced by police to undergo highly invasive medical procedures. He said the matter has reached a "severely critical stage" and requested Harper intervene directly.